Nectarine tree named ‘NECTAJULIE’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree, denominated ‘NECTAJULIE’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, and with a semi-sweet orange yellow flesh of high eating quality, with red pigmentation in the stone cavity and around the stone cavity, and an attractive intense and luminous skin, with a high percentage of luminous red blush. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Botanical classification: Prunus persica L. Batsch.

Variety denomination: ‘NECTAJULIE’.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No. 2011/0557 filed on Mar. 2, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, Prunus persica L. Batsch, which has been given the variety denomination ‘NECTAJULIE’. This new tree produces fruits with a long shelf life without alteration both on the tree after growth completion and after harvesting, very good eating quality, clingstone yellow flesh fruit for fresh market in August in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. Contrast is made to the ‘NECTAJULIE’ parents, ‘Redpearl’ (non patented) yellow nectarine tree and ‘Nectariane’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,707) yellow nectarine tree, for reliable description. ‘NECTAJULIE’ is a promising candidate for commercial success in that it has very attractive fruits with very long shelf life without alteration before after harvesting.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The ‘NECTAJULIE’ yellow nectarine tree originated in a cultivated area of the south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, where it was tested.

This place is under a Mediterranean climate (a temperate area), on the Mediterranean coastline. Winters are gentle and summers warm and dry. The amount of days with temperatures below 7° Celsius can vary between 600 and 1200 hours per year. The place is sunny, with 2400 to 2800 hours of sunny days per year on average. The prevailing wind is called ‘Tramontane’: it dries the air, clears the sky from clouds, but its intensity can be strong and affect the harvest, fruit quantity and/or quality. Marine moisture does not affect the place. Precipitations are irregular through the year and from one year to another. The amount of rainy days does not exceed 80 days per year, and are mostly found in Spring and Autumn. In May and October, very intense precipitations occasionally happen. Summer is dry with a few thunderstorms.

The ‘NECTAJULIE’ variety resulted from a pollinated cross between the ‘Redpearl’ (non patented) yellow nectarine tree, which was used as the seed parent, and the ‘Nectariane’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,707) yellow nectarine tree, which was used as the pollen parent. ‘NECTAJULIE’ was provisionally designated, tested and genetically identified by a genetic profile, under number 4N.02.95 NJ ASF 0613 and was registered at the Official Catalogue of the Agriculture Ministry of the French Republic on Nov. 23, 2010 under number 4047119. The ‘NECTAJULIE’ variety was obtained by hybridizing and propagated by grafting on a ‘Franc Inra Montclar’ (non-patented) rootstock. It has been determined to have unique tree and fruit characteristics making it worthy for commercial fresh fruit production. There are no known effects of the standard rootstock trees set forth above on the scion cultivar. Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plant was reproduced asexually by us in Les Régalines, Route d'Alenya, La Prade de Mousseillous, 66200 ELNE, Pyrénées-Orientales, France. More particularly, the plant was reproduced by grafting.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree blooms at the end of February or during March in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. More particularly, it blooms between February 24^(th) and March 19^(th), generally together with ‘Nectariane’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,707).

The first fruit of ‘NECTAJULIE’ nectarine tree ripens at the end of July or early in August, generally about 5 or 6 days later than ‘Nectariane’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,707). More particularly, it approximately ripens between July 19^(th) and August 3^(rd). However, it was observed that its early date of maturity seems to be highly dependant on climatic conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph, which shows a view of a tree of the new variety in orchard, bearing fruits.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph, which shows two whole fruits and leaves of the new variety, and a third fruit, cut in half with the stone left in one of the halves for depicting the fruit flesh and the stone of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph with reverse and side views of flowers of the new variety, and, with petals removed, reproductive organs of the new variety.

FIG. 4 is a color photograph, which shows different views of the stone.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variations in soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potential for commercial production of fresh fruit by ‘NECTAJULIE’ is high, due to fruit very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting.

Trees are vigorous and large stature half-standing in a semi-flared to semi-upright out aspect. The anthocyanic coloration of flowering shoot is present excluding brushwood side away from sun. The time of beginning of flowering is considered medium; flowering begins at the end of February or during March. The type of flower is non showy with very small petal size. Petals are purplish pink. Leaf glands are present and reniform. The fruit flesh is orange yellow without pigmentation inside the flesh, and fruit skin is very thick, with a luminous red blush and an orange red background. The stone is medium size. Fruit taste is semi-sweet, very aromatic and with a high level of sugars.

Compared to ‘Nectariane’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,707) yellow nectarine tree, ‘NECTAJULIE’ variety has approximately the same time of blooming but comparatively ripens 5 or 6 days later, as set forth above. ‘NECTAJULIE’ variety produces an amount of flowers higher than ‘Nectariane’; moreover, color of ‘NECTAJULIE’ fruits is more luminous and intense than ‘Nectariane’ fruits.

The new variety male parent, which is also ‘Nectariane’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,707), was chosen as a genitor because of its regular and considerable productivity. ‘Nectariane’ variety produces non showy flowers.

The new variety female parent, which is the ‘Redpearl’ (non patented) yellow nectarine tree has also an interesting level of productivity. The fruits of ‘Redpearl’ have a balanced flavour, compared to ‘NECTAJULIE’ fruits which have a semi-sweet taste. ‘Redpearl’ fruits are very attractive and homogenous in presentation, with their circular shape and their luminous red and orange coloration on 90% of the fruit skin. ‘Redpearl’ variety ripening comparatively begins approximately three weeks later than the new variety's ripening, generally at the end of August or early in September.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree, the following was observed on trees in their third growing season (second year of production) under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. All observations have been done on rootstock cultivars. Used rootstocks were ‘Franc Inra Montclar’ (non-patented) trees. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Color Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

TREE

-   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered large. The tree size the first year             was approximately 250 cm. The tree was pruned during each             following dormant season to a height of approximately             250 cm. Current season shoots growth could reach 60 to             80 cm. The tree size from the second year (second and next             years) reached a final height of 310 to 330 cm with current             season shoots length comprised. The tree size is             consistently reduced to 250 cm the next years. -   Spread: Approximately 100 cm with a cylindrical shape. The whole     orchard was oriented to a central leader organization, with tree     lines spaced of 4.0 meters and trees spaced of 1.0 meter in a same     tree line. As a result, tree spread was about 100 cm and the orchard     contained 2500 trees by hectare. -   Vigor: Considered vigorous or medium vigorous. -   Productivity: Very Productive and regular, every year. Fruit set is     spaced by thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the desired     market sized fruit. The number of the fruit set varies with the     prevailing climatic conditions and cultural practices employed     during the bloom period, and is therefore not distinctive of the     present variety. -   Bearer: Very regular. Generally between 40 and 45 flowers per meter.     The fruit distribution is considered homogenous on mixed branches     and spurs having more than 1 year. Thinning of 1 fruit out of 3 was     necessary for the tree valorisation. Thinning was necessary every     year during the years of observation. -   Form: The ‘NECTAJULIE’ variety has a naturally semi-flared to     semi-upright shape. -   Density: Considered dense. -   Hardiness: The present tree was grown and evaluated in France. The     variety appears to be hardy under the central Pyrénées-Orientales     department typical climatic conditions. Experimentations on     different sites with winter chilling requirement comprised between     350 hours and 1200 hours showed a good behaviour of the tree in all     cases. No damages were caused by ascertained temperatures as low as     −12 degrees Celsius in winter. The tree was also very resistant to     frosty springtime weather.

TRUNK

-   Diameter: Approximately between 9.0 cm and 11.0 cm in diameter when     measured at a distance of approximately 20 cm above the soil level. -   Bark texture: Considered rough, with lenticels. -   Lenticels: Numerous lenticels are present, generally between 5 and 7     lenticels per cm². The lenticels range in size from approximately     3.0 millimeters to 4.0 millimeters in width, and from 1.5 to 2.0     millimeters in height. -   Lenticel color: The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey color     (RHS Grey 201 C), whereas the inside is considered brown (RHS Greyed     Orange 165 B to 165 C). -   Bark coloration: The bark has a light brown color (RHS Brown N     200 C) to a silver-grey color (RHS Grey 201 A to 201 C).

BRANCHES

-   Size: Mature branches and current season shoots are considered     medium to large for the variety. Mature branches are pruned to a     length of approximately 50.0 centimeters. -   Diameter: Average as compared to other nectarine varieties. The     current season shoots have a diameter from 4.0 to 6.0 millimeters,     and mature branches have a diameter from 30.0 to 40.0 millimeters. -   Surface texture: Average, wood which is several years old has no     furrowed appearance. -   Crotch angles: Primary branches are considered variable, but the     crotch angles are generally between 45 degrees and 65 degrees from     the horizontal axis. This particular characteristic is not     considered distinctive of the variety, however. -   Current season shoots:     -   -   Surface texture.—Substantially glabrous. -   Internode length: Generally 25.0 millimeters to 30.0 millimeters. -   Color of mature branches: Brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A). -   Current seasons shoots:     -   -   Color.—The color of new shoot tips is considered a light             yellow-green (RHS Yellow Green 144 A to 144 B) on lower part             of new shoot tips, whereas the upper part is colored             brown-purple (RHS Greyed Purple 187 A to 187 B).

LEAVES

-   Size: Considered medium to large for the species. The ratio leaf     length/leaf width is 3.49. -   Leaf length: Approximately 156.0 to 184.0 millimeters with leaf     petiole. The medium length is 173.0 millimeters. -   Leaf width: Approximately 46.0 to 55.0 millimeters. The medium width     is 50.1 millimeters. -   Leaf base shape: Concave. -   Leaf form: Lanceolate. -   Leaf tip form: Acuminate and small. -   Leaf color:     -   -   Upper leaf surface.—Dark Green (RHS Green 137 A).         -   Lower surface.—A lighter green (RHS Green 137 B to 137 C)             than the upper leaf surface color. -   Leaf texture: Smooth and glabrous. -   Leaf venation: Pinnately veined. -   Mid-vein:     -   -   Color.—Light green, almost yellow (RHS Yellow Green 150 D).             The color may change with maturity. -   Leaf margins: Slightly undulating. -   Form: Considered slightly dentate. -   Uniformity: Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In this last     case, one leaf of normal size is found with one or two smaller     leaves (at least 50% smaller). -   Leaf petioles:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium.         -   Length.—About 6.0 to about 8.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—About 1.5 millimeters. -   Petioles color:     -   -   Upper petiole surface.—Light green (RHS Yellow Green 146 C             to 146 D).         -   Lower surface.—Light green (RHS Yellow Green 146 D). -   Leaf glands:     -   -   Size.—Considered small to medium. Their length is about 1.0             millimeter and their width is about 1.0 millimeter.         -   Number.—Generally 2 or 3 glands per leaf.         -   Type.—Reniform.         -   Color.—On young leaves, leaf gland color is considered a             light green (RHS Green 144 A to 144 B). On older leaves,             leaf gland color turns to a dark brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A             to 199 B). -   Leaf stipules:     -   -   Generally.—No leaf stipules were observed. But as seen in             the characteristic relative to the leaves uniformity, it is             possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or 3, with a             normal-size leaf and smaller ones.

FLOWERS

-   Flower buds:     -   -   Generally.—At pre-floral stage of development, the floral             buds are conic in form with a round tip. Their form is             evolving until blooming, with variable dimensions. Just             before blooming, floral buds are approximately 8.0             millimeters wide and approximately 12.0 millimeters long.         -   Color.—This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity             to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of             the flowers buds, formed by the sepals, is of purple-brown             color (RHS Greyed Purple 183 B to 183 C or Grey Brown Group             199 A); the corolla, formed by the petals, is generally of             dark pink color (RHS Red Purple 63 B to 63 C). Petals color             shows an evolution until the end of blooming. -   Hardiness: The buds are considered hardy under typical central     Pyrénées-Orientales department climatic conditions. No winter injury     was noted during the last several years of evaluation in the central     Pyrénées-Orientales department, with winter temperatures as low as     −10 degrees Celsius in January. The current variety has not been     intentionally subjected to drought or heat stress, but the variety     showed a very good resistance in orchard to temperatures up to 42     degrees Celsius with an average temperature between 28 and 30     degrees Celsius during 3 weeks in summer. -   Date of bloom: Generally early in March. The first bloom was     observed on Mar. 1, 2003. -   Blooming time: Considered medium-season in relative comparison to     other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in the     Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. The date of full bloom is     observed in March, at the middle of the blooming period. The date of     bloom varies slightly with climatic conditions and cultural     practices. Thus the first full bloom was observed on Mar. 1, 2003.     Last observed blooming times were Mar. 6, 2007 then Feb. 24, 2008,     then Mar. 2, 2009, then Mar. 19, 2010, then Mar. 1, 2011. -   Duration of bloom: Between 10 and 12 days. This characteristic     varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions. -   Flower type: The variety is considered to have a non showy type     flower. -   Flower size: Considered small. Flower diameter at full bloom is     approximately 18.0 to 22.0 millimeters. -   Bloom quantity: Considered abundant, approximately 45 flowers per     meter, with a good distribution and a high rate of fruit set. -   Flower bud frequency: Generally 2 flower buds appear per node,     occasionally 1. -   Petal size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered small to very small.         -   Length.—Generally about 12.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Generally about 8.5 millimeters. -   Petal form: Elongated-shaped. -   Petal count: Generally 5. -   Petal texture: Smooth, sweet and glabrous. -   Petal color: Generally, both surfaces of the petals are colored in a     purplish Pink (RHS Red Purple 63 B to 63 C). -   Fragrance: Sweet. -   Petal claw:     -   -   Form.—The claw is considered to have a truncated form.         -   Length.—Approximately 1.2 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 1.0 millimeter.         -   Color.—A darker purplish pink than the petal color (RHS Red             Purple 63 A). -   Petal margins: Generally smooth. -   Petal apex:     -   -   Generally.—The petal apices are generally curve-shaped. -   Flower pedicel:     -   -   Length.—Considered medium to large and having an average             length of approximately 3.0 to 5.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Considered average, approximately 2.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—A brown to light brown (RHS Grey Brown N199 B to 199             C). -   Calyx:     -   -   Internal surface texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Color.—Generally, both surfaces of the calyx are colored in             a matt purple brown color (RHS Greyed Purple 183 B to 183 C             or RHS Grey Brown 199A). Nevertheless, the inner surface of             the calyx may be colored in a matt and considered             golden-orange (RHS Greyed Red 178 C to 178 D) and the outer             surface of the calyx may be considered of purple-brown (RHS             Greyed Purple 183 B to 183 C) color. -   Sepals:     -   -   Number.—Generally 5.         -   Surface texture.—The outer surface has a short, fine             pubescent texture.         -   Size.—Medium.         -   Length.—Approximately 5.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 3.5 millimeters.         -   Form.—Ovate.         -   Color.—Generally, both surfaces of petals are colored in a             matt purple brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 B to 183 C or RHS             Grey Brown 199A). However, the upper face of sepals             sometimes shows a matt and considered golden-orange (RHS             Greyed Red 178 C to 178 D) color, whereas the lower face of             sepals is considered of purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183             B to 183 C) color.         -   Margins.—Smooth.         -   Apex.—The apex is round-shaped to emarginated. -   Average number of stamens per flower: Approximately 45 stamens per     flower. -   Anthers:     -   -   Generally.—Small in length.         -   Color.—Red to orange-red color (approximately RHS Greyed Red             Group 178 A). The color may evolve with maturity. -   Pollen production: Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow color (RHS     Yellow Orange 17 B to 17 C) which may evolve with maturity. The     present variety is considered auto-fertile (self-pollinating). -   Filaments:     -   -   Size.—Medium length, between 10.0 and 16.0 millimeters in             length. Filaments length is generally equal to the pistil's             length, if not slightly smaller. -   Color: Considered light pink (approximately RHS Red Purple 62 C to     62 D or RHS Red Purple 73 A to 73 B). The color evolves during the     blooming. -   Pistil:     -   -   Number.—Usually 1.         -   Generally.—Average in size.         -   Length.—Approximately 18.0 to 21.0 millimeters including the             ovary, which has a size of approximately 1.5 to 2.0             millimeters; Generally equal to filaments length, if not             slightly superior to filaments in length.         -   Color.—Considered a very pale green (RHS Yellow Green 150 D             or RHS Yellow Green 151 D). The color evolves during the             blooming.         -   Surface texture.—Non pubescent.

FRUIT

-   Maturity when described: Very firm ripe condition (shipping ripe). -   Date of first picking: Aug. 3, 2003. -   Date of last picking: The date of harvest varies slightly with the     prevailing climatic conditions. The ‘NECTAJULIE variety has a medium     date of picking and a grouped maturity. The maturity is grouped     within 9 to 14 days and the harvest is generally performed in two     runs. Last known picking times begin Jul. 20, 2007; then Jul. 22,     2008; then Jul. 30, 2009; then Aug. 1, 2010; then July 19, 2011. -   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered large, and homogeneous in size. -   Average cheek diameter: Approximately 73.0 to 82.0 millimeters. -   Average axial diameter: Approximately 74.0 to 84.0 millimeters. -   Typical weight: Generally about 230.0 to 280.0 grams. This     characteristic is highly dependent upon the prevailing cultural     practices, and therefore is not particularly distinctive of the     variety. -   Fruit form:     -   -   Generally.—Round. The fruit is generally uniform in             symmetry, viewed from the suture's plane. -   Fruit suture: Wide-mouthed and slightly marked, extending from the     base to the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching exists along     the suture line. Not pointed. -   Suture:     -   -   Color.—The suture has generally a color similar to the whole             fruit color. The suture is completely colored with a             luminous red (RHS Greyed Purple 187 B) on an orange red             background (RHS Red Group 46 A to 46 B or Orange Red Group N             34 A to N 34 B). -   Ventral surface:     -   -   Form.—Smooth. -   Apex: Non-prominent, slightly depressed. -   Base: Semi-flared, shallow. -   Stem cavity: Average depth of the stem cavity is about 12.0     millimeters. Average width is about 12.0 to 14.0 millimeters. -   Fruit skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Considered very thick and strong, and the             adherence of skin to flesh is strong.         -   Texture.—Glabrous.         -   Taste.—Semi-sweet, aromatic, with a high level of sugars.         -   Tendency to crack.—None observed. -   Color:     -   -   Blush color.—This blush color is a luminous red (RHS Greyed             Purple 187 B). The red blush covers 40% to 70% of the fruit             skin surface with a red orange background (RHS Red Group 46             A to 46 B or Orange Red Group N 34 A to N 34 B). The             percentage of the blush on the fruit skin surface can vary,             and is generally dependant upon the prevailing conditions             under which the fruit was grown.         -   Ground color.—The ground color covers 30% to 60% of the             fruit skin surface, and is considered red orange (RHS Red             Group 46 A to 46 B or Orange Red Group N 34 A to N 34 B). -   Fruit stem: Medium in length, approximately 8.0 millimeters. -   Diameter: Approximately 3.5 millimeters. -   Color: Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145 A to 145 B). -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Very evenly, homogenously, slowly.         -   Texture.—Very firm, very dense, crunchy, melting, juicy at             harvest maturity stage.         -   Fibers.—Not fibrous.         -   Aroma.—Pronounced.         -   Eating quality.—Considered very good, with a high level of             sugars.         -   Flavor.—Considered semi-sweet and very aromatic. The Brix is             generally superior to 13 degrees and acidity comprised             between 6 and 9 meq/100 ml.         -   Juice.—Very juicy at complete maturity.         -   Brix.—Generally superior to 13.0 degrees. This             characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per             tree; prevailing cultural practices; and the surrounding             climatic conditions.         -   Flesh color.—Orange yellow flesh (RHS Yellow Orange 16 B to             16 C) with no pigmentation inside the flesh; Usually with             red pigmentation (RHS Orange Red 46 A to 46 B) in the stone             cavity and around the stone cavity, where the pigmentation             is star shaped on approximately 10.0 millimeters.

STONE

-   Type: Clingstone. -   Size: Considered medium for the variety. The stone size varies     significantly depending upon the tree vigor, crop load and     prevailing growing conditions. -   Length: Approximately 32.0 to 35.0 millimeters. -   Width: Approximately 23.0 to 24.0 millimeters. -   Diameter: Approximately 18.0 to 21.0 millimeters. -   Form: Elliptic. -   Base: Straight. -   Apex:     -   -   Shape.—The stone apex is pointed, with a small prominent             tip. -   Stone cavity: Considered medium size, ovate-shaped and dimensions     corresponding to the stone's dimensions. -   Stone surface:     -   -   Surface texture.—The pit is transversely furrowed on its             entire surface. Furrows are more pronounced toward the apex.             The stone is pitted toward the base. Relief is prominent             generally and present basally.         -   Ridges.—The surface texture is generally characterized by             more prominent ridges along the ventral edges and is more             prominent at the apical tip. -   Ventral edge:     -   -   Width.—Considered small to medium, and having a dimension of             approximately 2.0 millimeters at mid-suture. -   Dorsal edge:     -   -   Shape.—Grooved. -   Stone color: The color of the dry stone is generally considered     orange (RHS Greyed Purple 187 A to 187 B or RHS Greyed Orange 166 B     to 166 C). -   Tendency to split: Splitting is absent, depending on climatic     conditions between blooming period and stone hardening. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—The kernel size is considered medium.         -   Length.—Approximately 18.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 12.0 millimeters.         -   Thickness.—Approximately 3.0 to 4.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Considered oblate and elliptic.         -   Pellicle.—Pubescent.         -   Color.—The kernel skin is an orange brown (RHS Greyed Orange             165 B or RHS Greyed Orange 167 A). The almond, which is the             seed of the kernel, is cream-white (RHS Orange White 159 B).             The kernel and its embryo are mature at the time of fruit             maturity. -   Use: The subject variety ‘NECTAJULIE is considered to be a nectarine     tree with a mid-season maturity, and which produces fruits that are     considered firm, attractively and intensely colored and very     luminous. Fruits have a semi-sweet taste and are excellent for     uncooked consumption, crunchy or melting and juicy when at full     maturity. Fruits have excellent gustative qualities. Due to their     flesh quality, firmness and density, they can also be commercialized     as 4^(th) range product (packed fruit or fruit in bags for example).     And they are also useful for both local and very long distance     shipping. -   Keeping quality: Remarkable. Fruits have a slow maturation and a     long shelf life both on the tree after growth completion and after     harvesting without alteration. After harvest, fruits are well     preserved more than 4 weeks at 2.0 degree Celsius. -   Shipping quality: Considered very good. The fruit of the new yellow     nectarine variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin     damage after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing     procedures. Its resistance to handling during harvest and packing     and its long shelf life without alteration after harvest easily     permit 3 weeks to 4 weeks-shipping at 2 degrees Celsius. -   Resistance to insects and disease: No particular susceptibilities     were noted. The present variety is not very sensitive to powdery     mildew, or conservation diseases and decay due to its thick and     strong skin.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the described characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales department, France, it should be understood that variations of the usual magnitude and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, pruning, pest control and horticultural management are to be expected. 

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree as illustrated and described, characterized by fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, and with a semi-sweet orange yellow flesh of high eating quality, with red pigmentation in the stone cavity and around the stone cavity, and an attractive intense and luminous skin, with a high percentage of luminous red blush. 